Work With an EMDR Counselor

Dr. Francine Shapiro created EMDR in 1987 following a personal observation during a stroll through a park. She noticed that rapid eye movements naturally diminished the emotional charge of troubling thoughts she was experiencing. Intrigued by this discovery, Dr. Shapiro—then a psychology graduate student—researched the phenomenon and developed a structured therapeutic approach. Today, EMDR stands as one of the most rigorously studied trauma therapies, with endorsements from leading mental health organizations globally. To learn more, visit the EMDR International Association’s website.

EMDR International Association

EMDR tools are designed to create bilateral stimulation, which helps your brain process traumatic memories naturally. The most common tool is simple eye movement—where I move my finger back and forth across your visual field while you follow it with your eyes, similar to watching a slow pendulum.

Other EMDR tools include tactile devices like handheld pulsers that gently vibrate alternately in each hand, or audio equipment that delivers sounds alternating between your left and right ears through headphones. Some therapists use light bars with moving dots, or even simple techniques like alternating knee taps.

These tools are simply ways to engage both sides of your brain while you focus on processing difficult memories. We’ll discuss which EMDR tools feel most comfortable for you during our preparation phase.

EMDR for anxiety disorders addresses anxiety at its source by targeting the unprocessed memories and experiences that fuel your ongoing worry and fear. Many anxiety symptoms stem from past events your nervous system hasn’t fully resolved. Through EMDR, we reprocess these underlying memories, which typically leads to significant anxiety reduction. As old emotional charges fade, you’ll likely experience less reactivity to triggers, better emotional balance, and greater calm in previously anxiety-provoking situations. EMDR breaks the cycle where your past continues to create present-moment distress.

To find the right EMDR coach, here are some questions to ask:

• What specific EMDR training have you completed and are you EMDRIA certified?

• How long have you been practicing EMDR, and how many clients have you worked with?

• What types of trauma or issues do you specialize in treating with EMDR?

• Can you explain your approach and what a typical EMDR session looks like?

• How do you help clients feel safe and prepared before processing traumatic memories?

• What happens if I become overwhelmed during a session?

The best EMDR therapist for you combines proper training with a warm, supportive presence that makes you feel genuinely understood and safe.

Everything discussed during our sessions is completely private. According to Virginia state law, all communication between a client and EMDR coach is protected. Nothing can be shared without your written authorization.

There are only three specific circumstances where confidentiality may not apply. These reasons are purely for safety purposes:

• Suspected harm to minors or seniors: Legal obligations require reporting potential abuse situations to protective services.

• Danger to third parties: When clients express intentions to cause significant harm to others, authorities must be contacted.

• Self-harm concerns: Should you indicate plans for personal injury, we’ll develop safety strategies together and potentially engage emergency resources as needed.

I work with Aetna, Cigna, and Optum insurance plans. Please confirm that I’m included in your plan’s network before your first appointment.

• In-network clients: Pay your applicable plan copay when you come, and I’ll submit all insurance paperwork for you.

• Out-of-network clients: Sessions are $185, paid at the time of service. I’ll provide detailed superbills monthly that you can submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement.

Please reach out to your insurance provider to understand your mental health benefits and coverage options.